8mm Mauser with full Euro loads. Typically Norma 165 gr HPs (2855 fps) or 196 gr SP in Norma, Hansen or Sellior & Bellot (2500-2600 fps). I also have some nice handloads from a local vendor consisting of 150 gr at 2760 fps.

Did just fine as a youth with .30-30 in brushy areas, although the 8mm is just as sweet there as it is for longer shots, and I get to use a more unique firearm to shoot it.

7mm-08. Mild recoil. Using 140 grain bullets it shoots flatter than a 30-06 and right with a 270's trajectory . Short action caliber so it comes in some nice light weight compact rifles. Kills whitetails as well as anything out there. Just about the perfect whitetail caliber IMHO.

These are my preferences FWIW:
*25-06 for Cali Deer, Antelope, Sheep & Goat.
*30-06 for larger Mulies and Doe Elk.
*35 Whelen for Large Elk & Moose.
(25-30-35)
All can be had in my favorite format, the Winchester M70, so there is no controls confusion in the heat of the moment.

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A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition.
-Rudyard Kipling-

I do not contend with limited deer population so I do not need to take long shots. The longest I will shoot with a rifle is 100 yards... unless the deer is in the general vicinity of closer to my truck than I am... I will shoot 150 yards 'cuz it will not be a far drag back.

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There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

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